Shh! We’re playing hide and seek, and guess what? I found Squeaks! Here at the fort, we’re pretty good at this game. Do you know why? Because we’ve learned some amazing tricks from nature!
Many animals play their own version of hide and seek. Some hide to catch their prey, while others hide to avoid becoming dinner. But unlike us, they don’t hide behind curtains or under tables. They hide in plain sight! How do they do it? With camouflage!
Camouflage is a clever way animals hide or confuse other animals. Since many animals are either hiding or seeking, there are lots of different kinds of camouflage in nature.
One simple way animals camouflage is by blending in with their background. Imagine taking a walk in the woods. You might see squirrels, deer, or field mice. These animals are often brown or gray, matching the tree bark and forest floor, making them hard to spot.
Some animals use patterns to blend in. Tigers have stripes that help them hide in tall grass. Baby deer, called fawns, have spots that look like sunlight shining through trees, helping them disappear among plants.
Animals in the ocean have different tricks. Many, like dolphins and sharks, are gray or blue to match the water. They are lighter on their stomachs and darker on their backs. For example, a gray reef shark’s back blends with the ocean when viewed from above, and its belly matches the lighter water when seen from below.
Some animals use their shape to camouflage. The walking leaf insect looks just like a leaf, complete with markings that resemble nibbles. The leafy sea dragon blends with seaweed, even moving like it to stay hidden.
Not all animals naturally look like their surroundings, so some play dress up! The dresser crab covers itself with coral, sea anemones, or seaweed to become nearly invisible. The masked hunter insect uses dust to cover its body, creating an invisibility cloak!
Animals use all kinds of tricks to stay hidden, each with its unique method depending on its environment. Thanks for learning about camouflage with us! If you have a question, ask a parent to help you leave a comment or email us at [email protected]. See you next time!
Camouflage Art Project: Gather some colored paper, scissors, and glue. Choose an animal from the article, like a tiger or a walking leaf insect. Cut out the shape of the animal from the colored paper. Then, create a background that matches the animal’s natural habitat using different colors and patterns. Once done, try to blend your animal into the background. Can your family members spot it easily?
Nature Walk Observation: Take a walk in your backyard or a nearby park with an adult. Look for animals or insects and see if you can spot any that are using camouflage. Are there any birds, bugs, or small animals that blend into their surroundings? Try to draw or describe what you see and how they are camouflaged.
Camouflage Detective Game: At home, play a game where you hide small toys or objects around a room. Choose items that match the colors and patterns of the room’s surroundings. Invite a friend or family member to find them. Discuss which items were the hardest to find and why. How does this relate to how animals use camouflage in the wild?
